Fatou photographed by Desiree Mattsson for Vogue Arabia December 2019
There’s no competition when it comes to the best beauty color of the party season, gold wins every time. Allowing for the ultimate statement, the team behind Vogue Arabia’s December beauty opener share their top tips for wearing the color to its most dazzling effect.
The Makeup
“Don’t be afraid to go all out when it comes to creating a gold beauty look. Bold eyes are perfect for the party season. Make a statement by opting for over the top winged eyeliner. For those who are extra creative exaggerate it with black or other metallic shades. Add studs and glitter to make your eye pop even more. Unless it’s a major red carpet event, keep the rest of your look simple with a matte lip, featuring a touch of gold highlight to bring out the cupids bow,” says beauty editor Alexandra Venison.
The Nails
“To achieve the look that I created for the shoot, first base the nails in two coats of black polish. I love OPI Lady in Black. Wait until it’s touch dry and then take some gold nail art striping tape and lay over the nail to create a graphic pattern. Cut just shy of the edge of the nails and give it a gentle press down. Finally seal the whole look together using a gel-like, quick-dry topcoat. My go-to is Seche Vive Instant gel effect topcoat,” explains nail artist Jenny Longworth.
La Porcshia photographed by Desiree Mattsson for Vogue Arabia December 2019
The Hair
On La Porcshia’s golden headpiece.
“When I found out I would be visiting Oman I really wanted to find some gold headpieces, designs that were genuinely from this part of the world. I went to a local handicraft market and met this maker. I brought a couple of pieces I bought from him to set. I decided to use this one because I knew it would frame La Porcshia’s face and give her an element of strength almost like a golden goddess wearing armor. I had some longer bits that I wrapped around her neck to emphasize her face,” says hairstylist Ali Pirzadeh.
On how to wear gold in your hair.
“When it comes to gold in the hair a perfect way to make it wearable is to do a sleek look, maybe a high pony or just sleek your hair back. Then, add gold leaf on different but specific areas of the hair. Alternatively, if you want to create a quick look then I suggest opting for golden hair accessories, everything from headbands to clips and scarves are trending right now,” adds Pirzadeh.
The Style
“When wearing a statement beauty look like the ones in our shoot, I would suggest making this the main element. I would frame gold makeup with black clothing that is simple and elegant,” advises stylist Lisa Jarvis. “When it comes to accessories keep in the same color palette, I personally wouldn’t team silver accessories with a statement gold beauty look as an example,” she adds.
The Photos
“Sometimes it’s the smallest light source that gives you the best highlight when it comes to gold or metallic makeup. If you can make sure to also reflect your light source, it will have quite an effect. If you’re taking a picture on the red carpet or at a party, tilt your head towards the light to make sure your beauty look shines in the picture. Keep it simple, that’s always my best tip,” suggests photographer Desiree Mattsson.
Shoot originally published in December 2019 issue of Vogue Arabia
Photography Desiree Mattsson
Makeup Daniel Kolaric for Pat McGrath Labs
Beauty Editor Alexandra Venison
Style Lisa Jarvis
Hair Ali Pirzadeh at CLM Agency
Nails Jenny Longworth
Casting Tasha Tongpreecha
Production Camilla Fitz-Patrick
Post-production Ruben Kristiansen
Style assistant Emily Whitmore
Models Fatou at Select Model Management and LaPorcia
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